WILDERNESS
He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness...
Deuteronomy 8:15
Engage in Wonder
What are our most important needs in the wilderness? How is physical hunger & thirst related to spiritual hunger and thirst?
God had manna “rain down” from heaven and water “spring up” from the ground, rocks, or wells. Why do you think God chose to illustrate it this way?
Can you think of any other Bible stories or creation illustrations that feature 40 days, weeks, years? How does God use those seasons to prepare us? How is hunger and thirst related?
There aren’t many places to take cover and hide in the desert. Do you think God intended this? How does that impact us in a spiritual sense?
Do you think there’s a correlation between venomous creatures and our sin? Ponder Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3:14
The Feast of Booths (Sukkot) is celebrated every year by building a temporary shelter in remembrance of God’s provision in the wilderness during those 40 years (Leviticus 23:33). List all the physical illustrations you can think of that metaphorically represent Jesus as the provider of our needs.
In Mark 1:11-12, the Father speaks audibly of His love for Jesus and then immediately sends him into the wilderness to be tempted. What does that teach you about wilderness seasons?
How does the wilderness illustrate God's story?
Print the complete Bible Study that is perfect for discussion with your home fellowship group or family.
--- Activities to awaken your child-like imagination ---
blueprints
Roughly sketch or jot down ideas to design your own venomous or dangerous desert creature that could have been included in God's story.
creation
Using a creative artform of your choice, use your blueprints to showcase your imaginative design and the way it could have appeared in God's story.
testimony
Reflect on a time when you personally experienced or witnessed walking through a wilderness season that developed a greater hunger & thirst for Jesus.
storytelling
Using your reflections as the inspiration, showcase your testimony using any storytelling style you prefer. Optionally, include your blueprint design as a feature within your tale.
